why do you get a stuffy nose when sick

A can be annoying. Your nose drips. You sound funny when you talk. And just when you want to blow your nose to finally breathe again, nothing comes out. Many people think a stuffy nose is the result of too much in the nasal passages. However, a clogged nose is actually caused by inflamed in the sinuses. These irritated vessels are usually triggered by a, the, or a. Regardless of the reason for your stuffed-up nose, there are easy ways to relieve it. Here are eight things you can do now to feel and breathe better. We pick these items based on the quality of the products, and list the pros and cons of each to help you determine which will work best for you. We partner with some of the companies that sell these products, which means Healthline may receive a portion of the revenues when you buy something using the links below. Nasal congestion is another term for a stuffy nose. It is often a symptom of another health problem, such as a sinus infection.

It may also be caused by the common cold. Nasal congestion is marked by: stuffy or runny nose sinus pain mucus buildup. Nasal congestion is another term for a stuffy nose. It is often a symptom of another health problem, such as a sinus infection. It may also be caused by the common cold. Home remedies may be enough to alleviate nasal congestion, particularly if it is caused by the common cold. However, if you experience chronic, or long-term, congestion, you should seek medical treatment. Congestion is when your nose becomes stuffed up and inflamed. Minor illnesses are the most common causes of nasal congestion. For instance, a cold, the flu, and sinus infections can all cause stuffy noses. Illness-related congestion usually improves within one week. Congestion that lasts longer than one week is often a symptom of an underlying health issue.

Some explanations for long-term nasal congestion may be: noncancerous growths, called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages long-lasting sinus infection, known as chronic sinusitis Nasal congestion may also occur during pregnancy, usually during the end of the first trimester. Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood supply that occur during pregnancy may cause this nasal congestion. These changes may affect the nasal membranes, causing them to become inflamed, dry, or to bleed. Home remedies can help when you are experiencing nasal congestion. Humidifiers that add moisture to the air may help to break up mucus and to soothe inflamed nasal passageways. However, if you have asthma, ask your doctor before using a humidifier. Propping your head up on pillows can also encourage mucus to flow out of your nasal passages. Saline sprays are safe for all ages, but for babies you will need to use an aspirator, or nasal bulb, afterward.

An aspirator is used to remove any remaining mucus from the babyвs nose. Sometimes, home remedies are not enough to relieve congestion, particularly if your symptoms are caused by another health condition. In this case, medical treatment may be needed, especially if your condition is painful and interfering with your everyday activities. If you have experienced any of the following, see your doctor right away: weakened immune system, asthma, or emphysema Nasal congestion can be more threatening in infants than in older children and adults. Nasal symptoms can interfere with infant feedings and can even lead to fatal breathing problems. Nasal congestion may also prevent normal speech and hearing development. For these reasons, it is important to contact your pediatrician right away if your infant has nasal congestion.

Your doctor can then work with you to find the best treatment options for your baby. After your doctor has determined the cause of chronic nasal congestion, they can recommend a treatment plan. Treatment plans often include over-the-counter or prescription medication to resolve or alleviate symptoms. oral antihistamines to treat allergies, such as (Claritin) and nasal sprays that contain antihistamine, such as (Astelin, Astepro) nasal steroids, such as (Asmanex Twisthaler) or (Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA) over-the-counter or prescription strength decongestants, such as Sudafed If you have tumors or nasal polyps in your nasal passages or sinuses that are keeping mucus from draining out, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumors. What is the outlook for nasal congestion? Nasal congestion rarely causes major health problems. Symptoms usually improve right away with proper treatment.